Introduction:

Learning a language like Hindi is an amazing process, and every stage of it can be very fulfilling. But time is money, and although we would all love to have limitless time to improve our language skills, the truth is that our personal and professional life leave little time to learn a language. And let’s face it: whether it be for an upcoming vacation to Delhi or a business trip to Mumbai, you want to be fluent in conversational Hindi as fast as possible.

Let’s take a look at these different factors and how they impact how fast you learn Hindi:Guided learning hours required to learn Hindi:

Realistic estimates in the field of linguistics have studied the number of hours really needed to learn a language like Hindi. The Common European Framework for Reference for Languages, for example, uses the “Guided Learning Hours” framework to measure the amount of classroom time total needed to reach a B2 (high intermediate) level. It assumes that for every one hour of classroom time, learners will spend two hours of independent study time. In the end, this equates to a total of between 1,000 and 1,200 hours.

Scenario and the time needed to have an intermediate level of Hindi:

1. One 3-hour Hindi course per week for 8 weeks, plus a weekly homework assignment (1 hour), plus independent practice of any type (2 hour). 3 courses per year. You will need between 25-30 courses.

At 3 courses per year, it may take you between 8.3-10 years to reach an intermediate level.

2. One year of Hindi language learning in school. (4 hours per week + 2 hours of homework + 2 hours of independent practice X 12 weeks X 2 semesters).

Between 5-6.25 years to reach an intermediate level.

3. Dedicated independent study (1 hour per day).

 Approximately 3 years to achieve an intermediate level of Hindi.

4. Total, active immersion (8 hours per day).

Approximately 3 months to have an intermediate level of Hindi. This calculation neglects so many factors, however, and still isn’t a very accurate way of determining how long it could take you to learn Hindi.

So how long will it take to learn Hindi?

This is one of the first questions anyone interested in language learning asks, and unfortunately, there’s no easy way to answer it. Learning a language is a complex process that is different for each individual based on several different factors.

1. Your Previous Language Learning Experiences

If you already speak a foreign language or were raised bilingual, you may save yourself some time as you learn Hindi. Bilinguals find it easier to learn a third language, as several linguistic studies have proven. This is because they are naturally more accustomed to being exposed to different languages. Fluency and skills in one language aid fluency and skills in another.

2. The Language You Are Learning

Even if any foreign language looks “Greek” to you, many languages are actually more similar than they are different. Learning a language that is similar to your native language can save you time when learning the alphabet, pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary.

3. How You Are Learning

Your learning methods also play an important role in how fast you learn Hindi. If your language learning is limited to a classroom setting, then it will probably take you a little longer to learn. If, however, you also are exposed to Hindi outside of classes, then you can cut down the time needed to learn it. Reading, listening to the radio or eBooks, speaking, watching Hindi movies, and traveling to India can all help to speed up your learning process.

4. The Time Dedicated to Learning

Naturally, how long it takes you to learn Hindi also depends on how much time you plan to dedicate to language learning daily, weekly, or monthly. Studies have proven that learners who are willing to dedicate an hour a day to language learning–whether that be by studying grammar, memorizing vocabulary, watching a movie, or reading a book–learn significantly faster than those who just attend a weekly class.

5. Your Attitude

Your attitude also plays a huge role in how fast you learn Hindi. If you approach language learning with a positive attitude and see it as a fun and fascinating opportunity to broaden your horizons, you’ll be more open to learning. You’ll be more motivated to study and learn as much as possible, and the entire process will be more enjoyable and, consequently, faster.

6. Your Motivation

It’s no secret that staying motivated is key to learning a new language. There have been so many studies proving the importance of motivation in language learning. Staying motivated is the number one reason why many people have language success, and also the number one reason why some fail.